Rangers secure landmark partnership with India Football Federation

Indian Football Federation

Building on their existing partnership with leading Indian Super League side Bengaluru FC, Rangers have announced a new partnership with the All India Football Federation – the governing body of Indian football.

As a FIFA and Asian Football Confederation member, the AIFF oversees all football in India, including the Indian National team, Indian Super League, I-League and the Super Cup, as well as managing the women’s teams and youth national squads.

This new and exciting partnership with AIFF will see Rangers further grow their footprint and commercial ventures in India with the club set to deliver a wide range of programmes to support thousands of Indian coaches covering areas such as talent identification, scouting and analysis.

A group of AIFF coaches and members will be travelling to Glasgow to see first-hand the coaching and facilities at Rangers.

James Bisgrove, Commercial and Marketing Director at Rangers, commented:

“The partnership with the AIFF, alongside our strong cooperation with Bengaluru FC, will provide a renewed focus to our activities in India, which is an integral pillar of the club’s international strategy.

“Indian football continues on a rapid growth trajectory and we’re excited by the potential commercial opportunites that are emerging.

“The first Rangers Supporters’ Club was recently formed in India and, as the restrictions of the pandemic are removed, we’re looking forward to expanding Rangers’ presence in the market.

“We’re incredibly excited and proud that Rangers can play a role in the continued growth and development of Indian football alongside our partners in the region.”

Savio Medeira, Technical Director and Head of Coach Education, AIFF, said in a statement:

“I am honoured that Rangers FC have signed an agreement with us. We are trying in our own way to be self-sustainable in various technical programmes. The association with this historic club will add extreme value to our coach education programme, scouting processes, talent identification, and analysis amongst others, all in our endeavor to move forward together.

“The exchange of coach education programmes will benefit Indian football immensely as our coaches will be able to learn and interact with the best of the world.”

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Premier League clubs record huge losses despite record revenue

A report from Deloitte says Premier League clubs are facing a growing financial challenge after combined pre-tax losses reached $1.8 billion (948 million pounds) in the 2024-25 season.

The figure marks a huge rise from the $258 million (135 million pounds) recorded the previous season. It comes despite clubs generating record revenue of $13 billion (6.8 billion pounds).

Revenue keeps rising

Premier League clubs increased their revenue by 8% during the season. Commercial income and matchday revenue both climbed. Broadcast income also increased. But higher revenue has not translated into stronger profits.

Wage costs rose by $730 million (381 million pounds). Player transfers also played a major role in the rise in losses. Only eight clubs reported an operating profit. That was down from 13 clubs the season before.

Spending drives losses

Transfer spending remains one of the biggest pressures on Premier League finances. Clubs continue to invest heavily to compete for trophies and European places. But those costs can quickly outweigh the extra revenue generated by success.

Net debt also increased. It reached $6.9 billion (3.6 billion pounds) in 2024-25. That was up from the previous season.

The financial pressure is not limited to the Premier League. Only three Championship clubs in the second tier reported a profit.

A warning for English football

The Premier League remains the financial powerhouse of English football. Its clubs generated $13 billion (6.8 billion pounds) in revenue. The Championship generated $1.8 billion (942 million pounds).

But Deloitte warned that football cannot rely on simply adding more matches to create future growth.

European competitions have expanded. The international calendar has also become more crowded. Yet there are concerns that the market could become saturated.

Clubs face tougher choices

The figures highlight a difficult balance for Premier League clubs. They need to spend to remain competitive. But rising wages, transfer fees and debt are putting greater pressure on their finances.

New regulations will also change how clubs manage their spending from 2026 onwards. The focus is now shifting towards sustainable growth and stronger commercial income.

The Premier League remains the richest domestic league in Europe. But these figures show that wealth does not guarantee profit.

For clubs across England’s top flight, financial discipline is becoming just as important as success on the pitch.

NSW Government opens $4.65 million Local Sport Grant Program

The NSW Government has opened applications for the 2026–27 Local Sport Grant Program, with up to $4.65 million available to support grassroots sporting organisations across the state.

The program will provide grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for incorporated not-for-profit sporting clubs and associations.

Funding is aimed at increasing participation, improving governance and enhancing community sporting facilities.

Applications opened on 27 July and will close at 1pm on 24 August 2026, with successful applicants expected to be announced in December 2026.

The Local Sport Grant Program forms part of the NSW Office of Sport’s ‘Everyone Plays Here’ strategic plan.

The plan is designed to strengthen community sport by supporting initiatives that encourage regular participation and improve long-term member retention.

Funding is also available for projects that reduce barriers to participation and create more inclusive sporting environments, particularly for women and girls, multicultural communities, people with disability, First Nations people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In addition to participation initiatives, the program will support projects that improve the financial sustainability and governance of community sporting clubs, while also investing in the quality, adaptability and environmental sustainability of sporting facilities across New South Wales.

Successful projects must be completed by June 2028, with applicants required to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

The NSW Office of Sport has encouraged eligible organisations to submit applications before the closing date, with grants awarded through a competitive assessment process.

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